Chapter 1
Natasha
I groan as I pull my car into the circular drive at the front of what is, essentially, a mansion. I’m lucky I made it here since my stupid phone died about a half a mile away. I glance at the address on the handwritten note Professor Arnalt handed me. It matches.
Professor Arnalt has been so kind to me for the past few years as I’ve worked hard to finish my degree. Not just with my classes but my life. By now, he knows my entire life story because he’s gradually pulled it out of me over the years.
The man has helped me secure housing, find jobs, and even arranged for mechanics to give me a discount when my car has needed a service. The damn thing is making a noise yet again. I don’t know a thing about cars. It won’t do me any good to open the hood. Ha. What a joke. Is there smoke coming out of the front again? Shit.
I turn off the engine and take a deep breath. I’ve been on my own for four years. I think I’ve done pretty well for myself. But this might very well be the wildest thing I’ve had fall into my lap.
Professor Arnalt assures me that Jameson Hoffmann is his oldest and dearest friend. Apparently, the man has plenty of space, and it will be no trouble for him to let me stay here in his home for the next several months while I finish my degree.
I was raised in foster care with only meager provisions. I’ve managed to keep my head above water since then, but just barely. Until last week when the apartment building where I was renting a studio was condemned. I’m not surprised. It was truly horrifying, but it was a roof over my head, a mattress under me, and running water. Sometimes, the heat actually worked.
I’ve never been homeless and living out of my car before, and apparently, that’s about to change. But holy cow. This is not a house. It’s a mansion. When I crane my neck to look through the windshield, I decide it’s three stories. The next “home” on this street is far enough away that I can barely see it.
This is an old neighborhood. Pristine lawns. Brick and stone. Trees that go back a century and provide extra privacy between the properties. I’m downright embarrassed about my car. I panicked a bit when I pulled up to the gated entrance to the community and had to stop to speak to a man in a suit.
As it turned out, he was expecting me and was extremely kind. He made no comment about the state of my car, introduced himself as Edward, and gave me a placard to set on my dash. He also said I wouldn’t need it once everyone recognized me coming and going.
I’m going to live here? This is madness.
I glance at my back seat. All my possessions are in my car, but I’m not going to take them inside with me yet. I better just take my purse for now until I make sure this is really going to happen.
Trembling, I snag my purse, open my door, and step out. My car is an eyesore on this driveway. I’m sure Mr. Hoffman will want me to put it somewhere else, but until he instructs me, I’m kind of stuck.
I make my way up the six steps that lead to the double front doors and stand there, wondering whether I should knock or ring the bell. I look around and find a very modern camera just above me, but I don’t see a doorbell.
When the door suddenly opens, I nearly jump out of my skin. Slapping a hand over my heart, I meet the gaze of a man. He’s older than Professor Arnalt, which surprises me. I clear my throat. “Mr. Hoffman?” I need to make sure I’m at the right mansion.
The man smiles broadly, causing dimples to appear on both sides of his face, making him look soft and kind. “No, young lady, I’m Albert. You must be Natasha.” He steps back. “Please come in.”
When he looks past me toward my car, I cringe, fearing he’s going to wince.
He doesn’t, though. “I assume you have bags in your car that need to be brought in? I’ll get them for you after I take you to Jameson. He’s in the library.”
I bite my bottom lip and release it. “Oh, uh, maybe we should wait a bit. I can bring my things in later. You don’t have to help me.”
Albert’s smile comes back as I step inside so he can shut the door—though door is an understatement for what is more like a huge, thick castle entrance. “It’s my job, sweet girl.” He leans in closer and whispers conspiratorially, “Don’t make me look bored. I have to keep busy so I don’t get fired.”
I gasp, eyes wide.
Albert chuckles. “Oh dear. I was kidding. Don’t mind me. You’ll get used to my warped humor.”
I stare at him and finally smile. I like him. He’s putting me at ease. Is he a butler? I’ve never known a butler before or anyone who had one.
“Is she here?”
The female voice causes me to turn to the side to find a woman about Albert’s age bustling toward us. She’s grinning as wide as Albert, and she looks like she stepped off the set of an early 1900s period drama with her gray bun, her old-style dress, and her apron. She’s even wiping her hands on a small towel.
She holds out a hand, but when I extend mine, she takes it with both of hers. “So nice to meet you, Natasha. I’m Edith. Has my husband been ribbing you already?”
“Uh…nice to meet you.” I’m not sure what else to say.
“I’m usually in the kitchen. If you need anything, come see me. Or Albert. He can be serious for long enough to take a note if you’re out of shampoo or anything like that.” She waves a dismissive hand through the air.
Shampoo? I hadn’t thought of such things. “Oh, I’m sure I can pick up personal items like that, but thank you.” Though I’m full of crap because I’m down to my last few dollars. Shampoo was not going to make the cut this month.
“Well, I’ll let you get on. I’m sure you’re anxious to meet Jameson.” She turns around but then glances back. “Oh, I should ask. Are you allergic to anything, sweetie?”
“No, ma’am.” I feel like I should be respectful to these two. After all, I’m a guest in this home. They weren’t expecting me. “I promise I won’t be an inconvenience to you.”
Edith frowns and then grins. “Oh, sweetie, you could never be an inconvenience. We’re so excited to have another person in the house to look after. Jameson is boring us to death. It’s been a while since someone young and full of life lived here.”
I lick my lips. “You don’t have to go out of your way for me. I’ll mostly be studying on campus. I just need a place to sleep.”
Edith waves her dismissive hand again. “Don’t be silly. We’ll incorporate you right into the household. I’ll meet with you later to make a list of your favorite foods and snacks. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the store and pick up anything you require. You just relax and make yourself at home.”
My head is spinning. I haven’t even met Mr. Hoffman, and these two already have me moved in and adopted. “Thank you for your hospitality, ma’am.”
“Stop yapping at the girl, dear,” Albert admonishes in a teasing voice. “You can talk her ear off later.”
Edith laughs as she scurries away.
When I turn back to face Albert, he’s nodding in the other direction. “The library is this way.”
I follow him. This is so surreal that I feel like I’m floating in another dimension.
The house is so large that we pass several open doors on the way to meet Mr. Hoffman. When we pass a room with a piano, I nearly giggle. A music room? I think I’ve gone back in time. There’s what I now believe to be a parlor. Across from it is a game room? There’s a billiards table inside. I’m kind of surprised I don’t smell cigar smoke. I’m glad, too. Smoke makes me gag, but I bet these rooms were once filled with smoking men a hundred years ago.
Finally, Albert stops at a pair of open doors and waves me inside. “I’ll see you later, young lady.” He turns and walks away, leaving me at the threshold of a room that takes my breath away.
I take a tentative step forward. At first, I don’t see anyone, but I wouldn’t because my gaze is wandering the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. I bet most of this collection is as old as this house, maybe even older. I’m salivating to step closer to them.
Movement across the room makes me jerk my attention toward a tall man who rises from an armchair. “I thought I heard voices.” He hurries forward.
I can’t move or breathe. He’s…stunning. Six feet tall, thick black hair, green eyes, and broad shoulders. He’s wearing a suit, but that shouldn’t surprise me. Albert was dressed in a suit, too. So was Edward at the community entrance.
“Welcome, Natasha. Come in.” His voice makes my knees buckle. I can’t take a single step for fear I might trip. And his expression… His brow is slightly furrowed even though there’s a smile lifting the corners of his lips. I get the feeling he doesn’t smile often, but he’s trying to do so for my sake. I suspect he’s a serious man, but he would have to be since whatever he does for work must pay handsomely.
“You okay, Little one?”
I meet his gaze, realizing I’ve been blatantly letting my gaze roam up and down his body. My mouth is dry, yet my panties are not. This is bad. Since when do I find someone so attractive that I’m tongue-tied?
To be fair, I’m often tongue-tied, but not usually completely mute.
“Natasha?”
I finally clear my throat and hold out my hand. “Nice to meet you, sir. I really appreciate you offering me a room.”
He takes my hand in his. His warmth envelops me, turning my brain to mush. I find myself wanting to close the distance and lean into him. Suddenly, I’m tired. Not sleepy, just exhausted from life. Something about Mr. Hoffman promises a soft place to fall, and I could really use such a thing.
He gives my hand a slight tug. “Come. Sit down. Let’s get to know each other.”
I let him lead me across the room, aware he’s still holding my hand. He guides me to a loveseat and cups my elbow as I lower onto it. I need to shake some sense into myself. This man has offered me room and board, not a romp in his bed.
As he releases me to resume his spot across from me in the armchair, I look around. “Your library is amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Ah, I forgot. You’re an English major. Feel free to peruse it anytime you want. I’m sure there are books here that haven’t been touched in decades, except to be dusted, of course.” He smiles warmly.
“Oh, I wouldn’t touch them. I promise.”
He frowns. “Don’t be silly. Books are meant to be read. Nothing in here is off-limits. My only rule is that you don’t climb the sliding ladder yourself. I wouldn’t want you to get injured. Ask me or Albert if you want something too high to reach from the floor. Keep both feet on the ground at all times.” His expression is more serious now as he narrows his gaze at me.
“Yes, sir.”
I swear he flinches slightly when I speak. What did I say? The way he’s staring at me makes me squirm. As he laid down his “rule,” something fluttered in my stomach. Now, he’s not blinking, and I squeeze my thighs together. Thank goodness I’m wearing jeans and a sweater. I’d probably leave a wet spot on the loveseat if I were wearing a skirt.
Even with all these clothes on, I feel oddly exposed, as if Mr. Hoffman can see under my denim and wool and is assessing what he sees. It’s a ludicrous thought, but it won’t stop.
Finally, he leans back in his chair and crosses one leg over the other. He doesn’t break eye contact, though, as he sets his elbow on the arm and rubs his chin. “I’ve prepared a room for you, Natasha.” His voice is like warm syrup. It’s maddening how I’m reacting to him. How am I going to live here with this unbelievably sexy man who has me speechless and craving something I can’t identify?
“Thank you,” I manage to mumble. “I hope you didn’t go to any trouble. I just need a bed and a place to shower.”
He gives me his slight smile again. “It was no trouble at all, Little one. Camden told me you liked pink, so I had your room done in pink. I assume he was correct, considering your sweater and purse are pink.”
Camden? Suddenly, I realize he’s speaking about Professor Arnalt, and my cheeks flame thinking about the two of them discussing my color preferences. What an odd thing to talk about.
And when did he have time to prepare anything specific for me? Professor Arnalt only told me about this opportunity today.
“It wasn’t necessary, sir. I’m not particular.”
He shrugs. “It was nothing. You should have a pretty room that reflects you and makes you feel happy.”
“Well, thank you.” I’m stunned. Does he know I’ve never had a room that reflected much of anything in my life?
“If I’ve overstepped or there’s anything you don’t like, we’ll change it.”
“I’m sure it will be fine. I don’t want to be a burden. I really appreciate you helping me. I know it was short notice, and you weren’t expecting to take in a boarder. I promise I will be quiet and tidy. You won’t even know I’m here. Most of the time, I’ll be studying in the campus library.”
He doesn’t respond for several long seconds before inhaling slowly. “We can discuss your schedule later, Little one, but I want you to feel at home here. Edith and Albert are so excited to have someone besides me living in the house that they can barely contain themselves. I assume you’ve met Edith? I thought I heard her voice.”
“Yes, sir.” I’m not sure what to call this imposing man, but he hasn’t corrected me, so I’ll stick with sir for now.
“So, what are you planning to do after you graduate?”
I feel like I’m at the most important job interview of my life, which is odd since this isn’t an interview. Right? Maybe it sort of is. I need to impress him at least enough to allay any concerns he might have about taking in a boarder. Hell, I’m not even paying him. I’m a charity case.
He’s waiting for me to answer, and my face heats as I try to remember the question. Luckily, I do. “Oh, uh, well, I’ve applied for graduate school, so I might do that.”
“You’re not sure?”
I shrug. “It’s complicated.” Surely he doesn’t want to hear my life plans.
“I bet I can keep up,” he teases, giving me another smile. He’s so nonchalant, as though he has nothing else to do but sit and give me his undivided attention.
I don’t want to be rude. Obviously, he’s engaging me in conversation for a reason. Doesn’t really matter what that reason is. Maybe he’s feeling me out to make sure I’m not the sort of person who intends to steal the silver in the night and take off. Or maybe he’s just polite.
I lick my lips. “I don’t have a specific plan that’s viable, so I thought I would go to graduate school in the meantime because I would get a stipend to cover room and board while I get my master’s.” I wince. That sounds so lame and willy-nilly.
“Ah, so you have a non-viable plan. What’s the non-viable plan?”
I suck in a breath. He caught that. Shit. “Well, if I were independently wealthy, I would take some time to write a book. Writing is more my passion than teaching, but that won’t pay the bills, so I’m hoping I might be able to start working on a novel while I’m getting my master’s. If it turns out I’m not good at writing, I can always become an English professor. Maybe teach high school or something.”
I’ve never said any of that to a living soul, and I have no idea why I told Mr. Hoffman. He pulled it out of me.
“That all seems silly now that I say it out loud. I don’t sound like I have any passion for my degree or any interest in pursuing it.”
He rubs his chin, never taking his gaze off me. It’s intimidating and intense. “There’s nothing silly about what you said, Natasha. You’re young. Most people your age have no clue what they want to do after graduating. I’m certain over half the students are simply getting a degree with no intention of using it. The fact that you do know what you’d like to do if you had the means is refreshing and makes you sound very mature and confident.”
I sit taller. Somehow he makes me feel much better about myself. “Well, like I said, it doesn’t matter. I need a job to pay the bills. That’s life.”
“That’s you being practical, and you have a plan in place, so I’d say you’re ahead of the game. You never know what might happen between now and then. What if you started working on your novel now? Maybe you could get some feedback from an editor to help you know if you’re headed in the right direction. I know some people in publishing. I could call in a favor.”
My eyes bug out. I’ve only known this man for fifteen minutes and now he’s offering to help me with my unwritten novel? “I couldn’t ask you to do that, sir.”
“You didn’t.” He pushes to standing. “Come. Let me show you your room.” He steps toward me and holds out a hand.
I take it to let him help me rise, and then I stare up at him feeling rather awkward before I let go.
He stares at me long enough for me to shiver. “Come.”